The effects of yogurt consumption on immune function in university male track and field athletes -A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study- / 体力科学

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ingesting yogurt fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (OLL1073R-1) on the immune function of healthy university men track and field athletes. Study design Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. A total of 37 track and field athletes aged ≥18 years were randomly assigned into two groups. For 2 weeks, two bottles of yogurt fermented with OLL1073R-1 and Streptococcus thermophilus OLS3059 or placebo sour milk were ingested daily to the participants. During the intake period, a 1-week training camp was held and participants were subjected to strenuous exercise. Natural killer (NK) cell activity, which is the primary endpoint, was significantly lower in the placebo group after ingestion than that at baseline; however, it remained unchanged during the pre-exercise level of the yogurt group. The two-way repeated measures analysis of variance showed an interaction effect in the NK cell activity change (P=0.018) and a significant difference between the groups after the 2-week ingestion (P=0.015). Among the secondary endpoints, cytokines and chemokines levels involved in activating innate immunity maintained or enhanced only in the yogurt group. ALT, LDH, and CK significantly elevated only in the placebo group. Furthermore, amino acid levels were significantly lower in the placebo group after ingestion than that at baseline; however, it remained unchanged during the pre-exercise level in the yogurt group. Consuming yogurt fermented with OLL1073R-1 prevents the decline in immune function associated with strenuous exercise. Additionally, the yogurt may contribute to stable physical condition.

Novel Landmark for Cervical Pedicle Screw Insertion Point from Computed Tomography-Based Study

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel landmark for the cervical pedicle screw insertion point. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: To improve the accuracy of pedicle screw placement, several studies have employed the lateral mass, lateral vertical notch, and/or inferior articular process as landmarks; however, we often encounter patients in whom we cannot identify accurate insertion points for pedicle screws using these landmarks because of degenerative changes in the facet joints. The superomedial edge of the lamina is less affected by degenerative changes, and we hypothesized that it could be a new landmark for identifying an accurate cervical pedicle screw insertion point. METHODS: A total of 327 consecutive patients, who had undergone neck computed tomographic scanning for determination of neck disease in our institute, were included in the study. At first, the line was drawn parallel to the superior border of the pedicle in the sagittal plane and parallel to the vertical body in the coronal plane. The line was moved downward in 1-mm increments to the inferior border of the pedicle. We determined whether the line passing through the superomedial edge of the lamina (termed the “N-line”) was located between the superior and inferior borders of the pedicle in the sagittal plane. RESULTS: The percentages of N-lines located between the superior and inferior borders of the pedicle were 100% at C3, 100% at C4, 99% at C5, 96% at C6, and 97% at C7. The lower cervical spine has the higher N-line location. CONCLUSIONS: The N-line was frequently located at the level of the pedicle of each cervical spine in the sagittal plane. The superomedial edge of the lamina could be a new landmark for the insertion point of the cervical pedicle screw.

Short-Term Clinical Result of Cortical Bone Trajectory Technique for the Treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis with More than 1-Year Follow-Up

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective follow-up study on the result of surgical treatment for patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) using cortical bone trajectory (CBT) technique. PURPOSE: To evaluate the capability of CBT to manage patients with DLS. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: CBT is a recently advocated, novel, less-invasive technique of lumbar pedicle screw, which provides enhanced screw purchase by maximizing the thread contact with higher density bone surface. Despite the frequent use of CBT technique in the lumbar spine surgery, little is known of the capability of this technique to manage patients with DLS. METHODS: Thirty two consecutive patients (5 males, 27 females) surgically treated with single-level DLS in our institute using CBT were included. All patients were followed up at least 12 months (mean 24 months). Their clinical and radiological features were measured. RESULTS: Good leg pain relief was achieved in all patients. The mean postoperative percentage slip demonstrated significant reduction with significant neurological recovery when compared with preoperative percentage slip, and it was maintained until the latest follow-up. Loss of correction of more than 3 mm during the follow-up period was observed in 3 cases. Surgical site infection was observed in one case; however, pull-out of PSs or neurological deterioration was not found. No patient needed additional surgery during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results confirmed that CBT is useful for the treatment for patients with DLS. This technique allows good reduction of spondylolisthesis and neurological improvement.